Tteokbokki: Dreamy Sweet & Spicy Korean Rice Cakes

INTRODUCTION

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that tteokbokki is probably the most famous dish eaten on Korean roadsides. The rice cakes are cooked in a mixture of sweet, sour and spicy sauces, which allows the rice cakes to absorb the sauce properly. Then, this rice is served. The best thing about making tteokbokki is that it requires nothing special. This is what makes it unique and interesting. It can easily be used and customized. You do not need to await the arrival of tteokbokki; it will come by itself!

The history of red spicy tteokbokki is not very old, while the history of guangjang tteokbokki goes back hundreds of years. The concept was introduced by Ma Bok-rim, a resident of the Sindang Dong area of ​​Seoul, in 1953, when the Korean War was about to end. You should choose gochujang stuffed inside a warm, sweet rice cake. This dish quickly became popular because it was an easy and inexpensive solution to satisfy comfort food cravings.

As a street food option, these spice-filled rice cakes were already quite popular in my childhood. It was very much liked especially in America. Since it was a classic version, the tteokbokki I ate as a child did not have all the add-ins of today. I remember how delicious it was to eat it as a snack after school, whatever it was available at any market stall or street stall. I remember its deliciousness, and I imagine this was no different.

What is tteokbokki?

Spicy, rice cakes originated from Korea, and the dish literally means “roasted rice cakes.” The reason behind it being so is because “tteok” refers to rice cakes, while “bokki” refers to roasted. It is a highly popular dish because even if a street food, it is already a staple in dining at home.

Firstly, rice cake tteokbokki is simmered in a thick and spicy sauce. Meanwhile, during this simmering procedure, the rice cakes completely absorb the flavor of the sauce, which makes the dish even more delicious. It’s not just delicious to eat but also bears some other kind of pleasure eating it. Be it a roadside snack or a comfort meal at home, tteokbokki is loved everywhere.

What does tteokbokki taste like?

Its taste is absolutely divine! If you are a carbohydrate lover, you will love tteokbokki. It is chewy and satisfying as well as sweet, spicy and salty. If you’ve never tried it before, think of it like a savory cobbler or roasted gnocchi in hot sauce. Korean rice cakes are chewy and light and are a popular snack.

Rice cakes on their own don’t have much flavor, but when cooked in sauce, they become extremely tasty and absorb the flavor like a sponge because of the sauce. Steamed fishcakes and eggs are added together with tteokbokki for more flavor and protein. Not only does this add to the flavor of tteokbokki, but also turns it into a complete meal. This is truly one of the satisfying experiences in the break of day for everyone!

What is the recipe for rose tteokbokki?

At the moment, our personal favorite is Tteokbokki Rose, which is a type of sauce that is similar to wine or pasta sauce. Humans have been enjoying tteokbokki since ancient times and experimenting with different ingredients for this dish. At its simplest, rosé sauce can be described as a red sauce with a little bit of cream.

There is no difference between everyday tteokbokki and original tteokbokki! Rose sauce is much loved in Korea because it is not only spicy but also creamy. It is very tempting. If you are thinking of making it, all you have to do is follow the recipe given below. Just before serving, stir in half a cup of heavy cream and whisk until it is deep red. Early on, sprinkle more mozzarella over it, let it sit for some time, and then mix it all in. It’s really something wonderful!

Gochujang vs gochugaru

Gochujang is a spicy sauce that’s known in Korea, and it is a fermented thick paste made from chili powder and glutinous rice, giving a savory, sweet, and spicy flavor. It does not only contain sweetness and heat in it but has a great amount of flavor. Traditionally, this product was sold in tubs; But these days, it’s also available in convenient squeeze bottles, available in the Asian section of almost any grocery store or online.

Gochugaru, meanwhile, is Korean chili flakes. These are bright red flakes of chili that taste fruity, sweet, and smoky. These are dried in sunlight. Their heat is not very high, rather it is light and excellent. These are not very spicy. I always buy coarse gochugaru, which looks like sea salt. For your convenience, these are usually labeled mild, medium or spicy, allowing you to choose the level of heat as per your preference.

Ingredients

• 1 lb tteokbokki tteok
• 3 tbsp gochujang
• 1 tbsp gochugaru
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 3 cups anchovy stock sub dashi or additional stock as needed

To Finish

• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp green onions thinly sliced

Directions

1. While you prepare the sauce, soak the tteokbokki rice cakes in hot tap water.
2. Combine gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar and chopped garlic in a small bowl and mix well. (If you want a lighter sauce, see the notes.)
3. First, pour the sauce into a pot, then add the anchovy stock and whisk to combine. Boil it on a medium-high flame.
4. Once the tikkis have been soaked and drawn out, place them in the vessel. Stir the mixture occasionally and let it boil for three to four minutes. Then reduce the heat and stir the sauce frequently, so that it does not stick to the bottom of the pot.
5. This process will take about ten to fifteen minutes, depending on the consistency of the sauce you prefer.
6. Before serving, garnish the dish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions, and add a drizzle of toasted sesame oil. Serve it hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Tteokbokki

• Adjust the Spice Level: If you want this dish to have a lighter flavor, you can reduce the amount of gochugaru or gochujang. However, in case you add more than required, it would give that extra spice to the dish!
• Add More Veggies: Add other vegetables like carrots or capsicum for more taste and nutrition.
• Experiment with Proteins: You can also add shrimp, chicken, or tofu if you want this dish to be much more filling.

CONCLUSION

Teokbokki, if you use it concerning the aroma and flavor of it, can be fully customized to your needs since its aroma and taste could easily be shifted. It boasts a specific blend of sweetness, spiciness, and saltiness that make it downright irresistible – or very hard to resist. Plus, the springy texture of rice cakes makes it a delicious treat that’s impossible to turn down.

This dish will definitely quickly become a favorite in your kitchen, whether you’re already a fan of teokbokki or trying it for the first time. You will not be disappointed with this dish. If you’re a lover of all things teokbokki, this is a must-know for you. There is no doubt that you will get a lot of pleasure while preparing and enjoying this dish. This is an extremely famous Korean food, and you will enjoy preparing it as well as eating it.

FAQ’s